AAMCO Transmissions

My 4Runner needed a head gasket, Toyota wanted like $ 5000-​$ 7000, yikes!
So I called the shop and spoke to the owner who said drop it off and he would take a look at it.
The work was completed and they deserve A+ ten times.
I went ahead and approved the additional repairs for the timing chains and water pump while it was being repaired.
Keep up the great work guys!

I had a problem with my transmission and took it to Ammco. They did a diagnosis and I needed a new one or fix the parts that were damaged. They explained the difference and I choose to get it repair. It did take them almost 2 weeks to get it done but I was informed of what was going on and why it was taking long. They even helped me get financed for the repair. Will take it again there for any problems.

My thanks to Anthony Monks and his son Chris for taking the best care of my 4runner. Considering their expertise on the car’s upkeep, it should run forever. Happy New Year, guys. Thanks muchly.

This review is a long time coming. I have had multiple issues with my car over the last year and a half. One the episodes I had with my car I took it around to a few different shops in the Irvine area to have them all tell me that my car was literally going to have to be scrapped! I was devastated (I love my car). I met Chris and the issue of my car came up. He told me that he works over at AAMCO and asked what was up with it. After explaining to him what the issue was with my car he promptly and confidently told me that they could handle it no problem. I have to be honest, I didn’t really believe him but thought. Eh… Whatever, worth a shot. Better than scrapping my car! He was right. They fixed my car up right and really kept costs low. Very low, IMO. I have been a devout customer since. These guys know what’s up, they do not BS and what they charge is a bargain… But, what they did for me was priceless. Thanks guys. Keep killin it!

Let’s start the story by saying that I live in Davis, CA and the AAMCO in Santa Ana is helping me 100 times more than the people here. They are communicating constantly, helpful, and completely professional. As compared to the Davis AAMCO, which is horrendous.
Story Time: 10 months ago, my transmission was completely in need of repair. I took it to the Santa Ana AAMCO and they were very helpful and got the transmission completely rebuilt in a timely matter. Fast Forward five months and my transmission was having more issues, yet this time I was at college at UC Davis and was forced to come to the AAMCO here. Wasn’t the worst service, but it wasn’t the service I experienced here.
Now, fast forward to three ago, when I took the car in for yet a third transmission repair. The AAMCO here gave me their opinion out of the gate and told me that I needed a brand new transmission, the second one in a year. I then was contacted by the Santa Ana AAMCO (450 miles south of me) asking me about my car and the issues it was having. Chris was incredibly helpful and told me exactly what he thought needed to be done and he conveyed that opinion to the AAMCO here (the solution wasn’t a new transmission).
Now comes the part where they are amazing. The AAMCO up here decided they wanted one solution and didn’t want to take any opinions, especially from the shop that did THE ORIGINAL REPAIR. Yet I digress… After communicating with them, they proceeded to drag their heels and not return my calls, all while having my car and not working on it.
Now back to the Santa Ana AAMCO. The entire time, they were communicating with my, with the other AAMCO, and the AAMCO customer service when I called about the service I experienced. Each time we talked, Chris seemed legitimately concerned about my well being and the lack of a vehicle I had. He would call me sometimes and ask me how I was doing and he would go out of his way to help me and try to get another service center to fix my car, even though the car wasn’t physically under his care. From the initial service to the customer service a year later and 450 miles away, this AAMCO has a customer for life.
TL;DR: Santa Ana AAMCO Fixed my Transmission, Davis AAMCO didn’t want to because of petty disagreement. Car sat in a shop for two weeks, but Santa Ana AAMCO was actually helpful and considerate. Took a call to AAMCO customer service to get something done. AAMCO Santa Ana is amazing months after a repair, let alone at the time.

I came here because of some great reviews. Big No No!!!
I left my car around 8:30 am. I called them around 12:15(for updates) and Chris said that they had not had a chance to see my car yet (K, no problem)
I called around 3:30 and Chris said that he was about too call me, Really?!
He Gave me 3 options for repairing my car.
He wanted me to leave my car overnight so I can speak to my husband about it. I told him that I couldn’t do that and I needed my car by tonight. He was hesitant about me picking up my car, very weird! Anyhow, he called me around 4:30 asking me if I was going to make it before 5pm! That they close shop at five no buts about it. If I couldn’t make it than I should just pick it up by tmrw morning. I mentioned that I couldn’t leave my car overnight and that I was on my way. I mentioned to him I would be a few minutes late and he said again that they close doors at five. I called my sister so she can sign papers and pick up keys (no problem, they gave her the keys and she did it before 5pm) When I got there at 5:10, my sister was at their parking lot and mentioned to me that they were still there (Chris). I stayed outside talking to her until 5:20 and to my surprised they were still open (sign said open and open doors). Wait! I thought you close doors no buts about it!
At this point I was a little upset (k, I was furious) and I went back in and spoke to Chris! I mentioned to him that I couldn’t believe they were still open after the fact he said that if I got there after 5, I wouldn’t be able to pick my car. He said that the door says they close at five and that he was about to leave (at this point it’s 5:30)!!!
Really Chris! You couldn’t just tell me that you were already going to be there (after five) and I could pick up my car with no issues!!! I was there by 5:10! Instead, you said «Sorry if I sound rude but it’s none of your business’s why I’m still here!!! Yes, it becomes my business when you couldn’t be polite and tell me on the phone that it was k for me to be a little late (10 min) because either way you were going to be there!
So yes! It becomes my business and I’m making other Unilocalers know your business too!

I am glad i went to this place! They were so nice and helpful. Owner is a super sweet person and helped me even want to give me ride home when i left my car there. Everyone so professional. I hope i dont have deal with car problems and need to go there but, this is the best place to go. They dont charge you to check your car so give it a try! Thank you guys so much!

#100Reviews2015 — Review No. 37
Well, Baby broke down a scant mile from my home the day before a big holiday weekend, of course. I Unilocaled these guys, read the great reviews, and gave them a call. They’ already closed for the day, but advised that if Baby was in a safe spot, just to lock her up and they’d tow her for me Monday morning, when civilization returned. As Baby was definitely safe, I locked up and rented a car for the next few days.
Sure enough, come Monday morning, I gave them a call and a tow truck was soon on its way to me. Free towing with repairs done with them, otherwise not to hefty of a charge, $ 45 or so, I was quoted. Free diagnostic, which I’d already heard on the radio, I recalled.
Code reader told them nothing, so they called to get authorization for the pull apart diagnostic, which was quoted to me at $ 110, but again, if I repaired with them, they’d apply it to my bill. Turns out Baby had some major issues with the ignition system. I gave them the go ahead — the cost was about what I’d expected, give or take.
Mild snafu — I thought they’d be done a bit before thy were, but it was more a misunderstanding on my part. No biggie. I picked Baby up, she was running better than before, to say the least, and I was happy.
The level of customer service here from Dave, Chris, and Lindsey was way above the bar. They genuinely know how to deliver, and anyone that knows me knows how important that is to me!
Highly recommend. :)

I have a Mercedes sealed transmission in my Dodge Charger that my regular mechanic said I had to take to a transmission shop to fix. So I brought it here and they did a free inspection, even with an onroad test. I didn’t have a ride and Anthony, the owner, was even kind enough to take me home. This customer service was above and beyond for me. They were very nice, explained in detail the repair, and I have been happy with the results since the repair a few weeks ago. Thank you Anthony. It’s easy to see you have passion for the work in your shop.

My car had transmission issues one morning and I was devastated.
It’s not something I could fix myself and I knew it was going to be a costly repair.
I started to call around for transmission shops and kept getting estimates to rebuild or replace the transmission. Price quotes climbing well over the $ 2000 mark.
When I called this Aamco, Chris answered and after I described my car’s symptoms he would not give me a quote over the phone. He explained that it could be any number of electrical or mechanical issues ranging from a quick repair to full replacement.
After the phone call quote marathon, I did some research online and learned that Chris was right on the mark with his opinion. I knew my maximum cost from the other quotes, so I decided to trust Chris’ expertise.
I had the car towed there and within a couple days, Anthony had discovered the problem. The computer that controls the transmission had failed. Anthony gave me the total repair estimate and went above and beyond to get the part shipped there sooner than the usual 7 – 10 business days.
When my car was ready, and I had already paid for the part and repairs, they let me know that they didn’t have to reprogram the computer and refunded me the amount for that labor they anticipated. This simple act demonstrates their honesty and integrity.
At the end of it all, I paid half of what other shops were quoting me and my car runs great.
Thank you Chris, for your knowledge and professionalism.
Thank you Anthony, for your efforts and honesty.
Thank you Lindsey, for the updates and keeping the shop open late so I could pick my car up after work.

Tremendous customer service and really awesome people. It’s no wonder they’ve been rated best AAMCO in the country for so many years. I made a good decision going out of my way to come here, and I highly recommend Anthony and his crew to anyone with transmission problems.

Lindsey and Chris are great! Very clean repair facility, honest work and diagnosis. They kept me updated on the status of my car and got it fixed asap, which was a an alternator and a valve cover gasket. I have an older car so for my next repair I will definitely be returning to AAMCO!

Came out this way for Thanksgiving with family and our check engine light came on today. Spoke to Christopher first and he said that they were closing in an hour, and would ask if they could make an exception because we are schedule to leave tomorrow morning, back to the Bay Area. I then spoke to Anthony, and he said if we got there ASAP they would make an exception.
They are very kind, friendly and honest! These guys are truly a blessing. They are currently checking the car as I write this review. I’m praying for good news, but will update this once I’m updated.
UPDATE
I know it’s late, but I did want to post the outcome of my visit. It turned out to be a huge and expensive fix, but Anthony suggested that we were fine to drive back to the Bay Area. He left me his personal cell number just in case we ended up breaking down on the way back home. Overall I would highly recommend this place. These guys are wonderful people! Best customer service I’ve experienced in a long time!

I have been going to this AAMCO location for one year now, i greatly appreciate their service because they always thoroughly explain what is wrong with my car and what is needed to fix it and any complications that may occur while fixing it. I always leave feeling i got the best service and I feel confident the quality of their work is great.
Thank you to all at AAMCO,
Angeline Turner

Good, honest, guys, thought I would need a new transmission, turns out it was something minor. Way less expensive. They also checked my check engine light for free and printed out and explained codes to me. Would definitely recommend. Great customer service

It was an outstanding experience, very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable people, Chris was always there to answer all my questions thru the repair proses, thank you so much guys and for sure I will be back, I recommend to use this repair facility.

LOVE these guys. I found them by accident a few years back when my transmission died out. Ever since, I rely on these guys for an HONEST diagnosis. When the Ford dealership kept insisting that the engine noise in my Expedition was «normal» I brought it to Anthony and he found the issue within minutes. Told me to get the vehicle back to Ford ASAP and tell them it is a problem with (insert issue here… i forgot the terminology)… Brought it back to Ford and their response was «OH! THAT noise? Yeah that’s not normal»… turned out to be a total engine rebuild that Ford paid for. I have seen these guys go over and beyond what is considered good customer service. What more can you ask for?

I went to AAMCO this afternoon because my check engine light was on and my car was stalling.
Not only did AAMCO find the problem (vacuum leak). They fixed it quickly and didn’t charge me for the repair. They cleared my computer codes and had me on my way in less than 30 minutes.
I couldn’t recommend this location more!

Extremely friendly, knowledgeable and no-​pressure staff. I am super impressed with their competence and honesty. I brought my car in sure that it had transmission issues, expecting to pay a fortune, but these guys diagnosed the source of the ‘clunking’ and lurching when shifting simply as a faulty throttle sensor, which they replaced and it fixed the problem. They could have easily led me to believe it was something much more serious (and expensive). I left a happy customer.
They were very busy, with many cars, and it took 2 days to complete the diagnosis and repair, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s a small price to pay for good service… They’re busy because they’re good.

I went to this location yesterday and was floored. I have never had such an amazing experience at a mechanic shop before. I’ve been to one other AAMCO location and it doesn’t even compare. All of the staff I encountered were friendly, knowledgeable, and really took the time to explain what they were doing and why. I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve gone to get my car fixed without feeling like I was being taken advantage of financially.
They did a free inspection (dealer charges over $ 100 just to inspect) to figure out the problem. They did several checks to really make sure they pinpointed the problem. And I was ecstatic that they did this because it ended up being s very simple fix– one that may have easily been overseen. The staff, Chris in particular, put himself in my shoes and understood that I wanted to learn and understand what the problem was rather than be told just how much it would cost to fix some mysterious issue. He was not condescending or inpatient while doing so which really was the icing on the cake.
They even have a sign/​letter when you walk in that states you can request a tour of the facility and pop in to check on your car at any time off you’d like. To me, that shows they’re not hiding anything or are afraid of you looking around.
I highly recommend this location and I will definitely return for any other car needs I may have in the future.